Are you looking to make an ethical investment this year? Our bond offer is currently open giving people across the UK the opportunity to participate in the development of renewable energy. We’re raising £2.662 million to finance our recent purchase of a working 4.6MWp solar array, which is already generating electricity.

What does this mean for investors, the community and the local economy? Here are 11 good reasons to invest in this bond offer.

1/ Help bring a solar farm into community ownership

We’re offering investors the opportunity to bring a working solar farm into community ownership. It’s a way to help local people take control of the energy supplies on their doorstep against the backdrop of rising energy costs. Currently the UK gets most of its energy (69%) from fossil fuels but has some of thehighest energy costs in comparison to similar developed countries.

2/ The solar farm is already generating electricity

The 4.568MWp solar farm is based near Puriton in Somerset. Construction was completed late in 2015 and it’s already generating electricity. This means that there is no construction risk, and the maintenance contract and insurance is in place.

3/ Independently approved

The bond offer has been independently approved under the Financial Conduct Authority’s rules for financial promotions by Bates Wells & Braithwaite London LLP, a firm of solicitors authorised and regulated with the FCA (registered FCA number 466148)

4/ 6% interest rate

Investments in this bond offer earn interest at a rate of 6% per annum, paid after three years. After three years investors have the option to cash in their bonds or extend the bond beyond three years at 5% per annum. The minimum investment is £500.

5/ Strong track record

Bristol Energy Co-operative, is an established community energy cooperative with two successful share offers behind us. Our directors have a wealth of expertise in a range of professional services, including project management, finance, sustainability, architecture, education, and experience at company director level.

6/ Community benefits

Bristol Energy Cooperative is a not-for-profit, and all surplus profits from the bond offer go back into the community. There will be a community benefit fund available to help projects in the local community.

7/ Partnership with Mongoose Energy

We’re working closely with Mongoose Energy. Mongoose works with community groups, commercial project developers and investors to identify, develop, finance, build and manage community-owned, clean energy installations in the UK. They have a track record in energy generation, successful business management and community involvement, having raised over £20 million for renewable energy projects.

Investors will be joining like-minded individuals to make a difference. Investors like Mike Simpson who said:

“I've invested in the share offer, and I'll put more into the bonds. It makes so much sense to have my money doing something positive, helping real people and reducing our carbon emissions at the same time.”

A reason to invest by 29 February

And there is a reason to invest by noon on 29 February 2016 as you will start accruing interest from 1 March 2016.

Risk WarningInvestment decisions must only be made on the basis of the bond offer document and not on information provided in this release. Your original investment capital may be at risk and any return on your investment depends on the success of the Puriton solar array and Bristol Energy Cooperative’s business as a whole. You should read the offer document in full, including the risk factors set out in the offer document, and the terms and conditions regarding this offer at ethex.org.uk before investing. You should consider taking appropriate financial and other advice before making any investment decision.

The value of an investment may go up as well as down. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. An investment in the bond offer carries risk and you may lose the whole value of your investment. Please consider this carefully in the context of the complete bond offer document and related information, and if needed, seek independent advice.The value of an investment may go up as well as down. Past performance is no guarantee of future performance. An investment in the bond offer carries risk and you may lose the whole value of your investment. Please consider this carefully in the context of the complete bond offer document and related information, and if needed, seek independent advice.